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“But you didn’t know I would date you.”

“You’re dating me now, aren’t you? Everything in life is a gamble. If you want something, you need to take action and follow your gut.”

I didn’t know what to say.

“I checked out the area, and this location was perfect. I offered the retiring couple twice what it was worth at the time. The value has tripled since I purchased it because a new office andretail center is being built near your apartment.” He touched the tip of my chin. “I always do things with purpose.”

Emotions overwhelmed me, and I wasn’t sure how to react.

“When I purchased the property, I gave it to my lawyer and team to manage it. I didn’t start checking the camera until recently, Tulip. I don’t have time to sit there and watch recordings of people coming in and out of a building.”

“Is your brain tired?” I tapped his head.

“No.” He smiled. “Remember how I opened the door for you at Sunshine in a Cup or how I cut the line to get you coffee and muffins at that first meeting with Calvin?”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to follow all the things he’d done because of me.So much.

“Did you orchestrate the fire drill at Bella’s Bistro?” I looked up at him.

“Ididn’t like Calvin having dinner with you. He’s a dangerous man.”

“But he had information about Aimee for me.”

“Which was why I told the kids to give you guys half an hour before pulling the fire alarm.”

“But it wasn’t just that restaurant. It was theentireretail strip.” I shook my head.

“I had to ensure he didn’t take you to a different restaurant down the street.”

The care he put into his plan amazed me. Scared me. With this kind of attention to detail, his enemies had no chance of defeating him.

I patted his cheek and pinched it lightly. “You’re unbelievable. You could’ve gottenDion, Raul, and Timin trouble.”

“Nah. They’re smart kids from my program. How do you know them?”

“They’re my patients.” Well, Dion was, but I didn’t elaborate on how I was introduced to Tim. I’d share that information later. “How did you persuade them to do that?”

“They didn’t want to see me sad.” His hands cupped my ass and squeezed. “I told them about this guy trying to steal my girlfriend from me.”

“Seriously? Oh my God.”

“Kaylee also knew my plan. She wanted me to be with my dream girl and didn’t object.”

“You sound like a crooked adult trying to sabotage innocent children.”

“I never said I was a good guy. Besides, I’m teaching them about the real world.” He grinned. “They’re learning how to bend the rules without hurting anyone.”

I covered my ears with my hands. “Stop corrupting kids.”

“Oh, baby. I’m training them to survive in the real world. Academia can only go so far. Street smarts are just as important.”

He was a brilliant and complex man who had somehow forced his way into my life with methodical steps.

“I never had a chance at avoiding you, did I?”

His eyes bored into mine, and my heart melted.

“I gave you the space you needed,but I made sure I was around enough so you wouldn’t forget me. Your mind had to be filled with visions ofme, especially when and if another man asks you out.”